Why Incredible Hulk 181 is a Key Issue Comic

Making his first official appearance in Incredible Hulk #181, Wolverine jumps into the fight between Hulk and Wendigo.

Realizing his Adamantium claws can’t hurt Hulk, Wolverine takes his classic anti-hero stance to fight off Wendigo instead. After a short battle, Marie Cartier manages to lift the Wendigo curse from her brother, Paul, and transfer it to Georges Baptiste.

Never intended to be a serious player in the MCU, Wolverine is now one of the most popular Marvel Comics characters ever and has starred in hundreds of comics, movies, and memorabilia. His anti-hero persona has been a huge influence on comics ever since.

Wolverine’s next appearance is in Incredible Hulk #182, and then again in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Thanks to writers Len Wein and Chris Clermont, and artist John Byrne, Wolverine’s story was greatly expanded.

Guide to Hulk #181 Comic Book Values

Incredible Hulk 181 Marvel Value Stamp

Considered by collectors to be Wolverine’s first true appearance, Hulk #181 is one of the most legendary first appearance comics ever. Some comic historians consider this the "Action Comics #1 of the Bronze era".

In perfect graded condition, Incredible Hulk #181 can sell for over $15,000, and the record sale for this historic comic is $23,000.

What's extraordinary about Hulk #181 is the range of condition that people will accept this comic in for their collection.

Rags -- literally, rags of comics -- will change hands for serious money. This is one of the world's hot comic books, and prices have risen to reflect that.

Prices in grades for CGC-certified books. Lower grades out of CGC holders will sell strongly, but you will get less money in higher grades.

Most recent sale in each grade:

0.5 $550 (for an INCOMPLETE copy!)

1.0 $450

1.5 $520

1.8 $500

2.0 $770

2.5 $680

3.0 $760

3.5 $720 (Note the compression of price between 2.0 and 3.5)

4.0 $950

4.5 $1,150

5.0 $1,000

5.5 $1,000 (Note the compression of price between 4.0 and 5.5)

6.0 $1,500

6.5 $1,500

7.0 $1,700

7.5 $2,150

8.0 $2,350

8.5 $2,750

9.0 $3,400

9.2 $4,100

9.4 $5,300

9.6 $8,300

9.8 $14,400

9.9 $150,000 -- only copy to get CGC 9.9, sold years ago and would certainly break that record if it comes back to market.

Hulk 181 and Marvel Value Stamps

It's important to note that this issue contains a Marvel Value Stamp.

This is often cut out. CGC copies missing this are given a green "Qualified" label, and sell on average for one-third of the normal price.

Example: We sold a CGC 9.0 Qualified for $1,000 versus the then-price of $3,000.

Pep Comics introduced one of America's favorite sons. The first appearance of Archie in Pep 22 is an all-time classic. We give record sales and minimum prices for Pep #1 to #100 and later keys. Have y…

The Golden Age Captain America comic series is a hugely popular run. 78 issues, packed with classic covers and tons of value if you've found some! Our Cap comic book price guide gives record sales and…